15 more NGOs voice objection to new labor bill

15 more NGOs voice objection to new labor bill

JAKARTA (JP): Fifteen non-governmental organizations from
around Java are opposed to the controversial bill on manpower
because it neglects the rights of migrant workers.

The nine-member delegation took their objection to the House
of Representatives yesterday and were met by Armed Forces (ABRI)
faction members.

"The bill makes no mention of migrant workers," said Tati
Krisnawati from Women Solidarity. "This means that the draft law
does not protect migrant workers' rights."

The NGO activists insisted that the future law should specify
migrant workers' rights and their families' while they are away
from home and after they return.

"Punishment for people who abuse workers' rights should be
strict, non-discriminatory and not gender-biased," Tati said.

The government submitted the bill to the House earlier this
year. Critics have said it places the government and the military
in a commanding position over workers.

It allows the government to play a dominant role in the
settlement of labor disputes and restricts labor strikes to the
company's compound.

The delegation also urged the government to ratify
international conventions as suggested by the International Labor
Organization and adopt international standards for Indonesian
workers.

They also demanded the establishment of Indonesian labor
attaches in countries where Indonesians work and to seek
bilateral agreements to protect Indonesian migrant workers.

ABRI faction member Suyitno said that international standards
are not suitable for Indonesia because local workers' skills were
not up to the world standard.

But Tati said that was a mere excuse to keep Indonesian
workers' wages low and keep products competitive in the
international market.

Indonesian workers' skills are up to par with those of other
developing countries, she said. (12)